Posted 23 Sep 2025

Two MA positions in SFU geography: environmental justice and corporate mapping of pesticides and extraction in BC

There are positions for two Master of Arts students on an environmental justice and corporate mapping project investigating glyphosate use on extractive landscapes in British Columbia, beginning in Fall 2026 in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University.

The project

Glyphosate is the world’s most popular and arguably controversial herbicide. In BC, glyphosate is applied to extractive landscapes (e.g., clearcuts, power lines, pipelines) to reduce or eliminate vegetation governments and companies view as unwanted or competing with “economically productive” plants. While glyphosate use in BC has declined in coastal areas, northeast BC remains a hotspot of glyphosate use and is a major concern for First Nations there. The research project uses multiple methods – interviews, environmental justice mapping, archival research, policy analysis and corporate mapping – to identify the political and economic conditions that shape the geography of glyphosate use in extractive landscapes in BC. The goal of the project is to explain why glyphosate has been phased out in some places while remaining entrenched in others.

The positions

Each student will complete their MA thesis in geography, under the supervision of Rosemary Collard, on a topic related to the above project (to be designed in relation to student interests/skills and the project needs). Each student will receive a minimum of $25,000/year for two years as a mix of fellowship, research assistantship and teaching assistantship, as well as some paid travel.

Required skills / experience

  • An undergraduate degree in geography or a related social science discipline

  • Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills

  • Familiarity with and/or interest in political economy, political ecology, economic geography, environmental justice, and/or critical social science

  • The ability to work collaboratively and independently

  • One position requires GIS mapping skills

  • Experience with and/or interest in critical policy analysis, corporate mapping, and/or accounting would be beneficial

If you’re interested, please apply to the MA program in SFU geography (deadline Jan 22, 2026).

For more information on the program, admission requirements and how to apply, visit https://www.sfu.ca/geography/prospective-students/prospective-graduate.html; for more information about the project and/or program, email Rosemary (rcollard@sfu.ca).

Herbicide treated areas under power lines near moose licks, in a sensitive riparian area, and next to a beaver pond, Treaty 8 territory of West Moberly First Nations (WMFN). Credit: Land Use Department of WMFN.